Pollution control device

ABSTRACT

A system and apparatus for pollution control comprising pivotally supported baffles which are supported on a drawer structure which can be mounted inside a container in which gases are moving such as a scrubber and wherein rapid access for cleaning, mounting and changing baffles can be accomplished with the drawer structure which provides a sliding support for the baffles when inserted into the scrubber and allows rapid removal from the scrubber when desired. The baffles may be angularly adjusted within the scrubber and baffles of different configuration as well as spray devices may be utilized with the baffles for various conditions.

United States Patent 11 1 3,844,747 Mills Oct. 29, 1974 POLLUTION CONTROL DEVICE 3,347,024 10/1967 Dock e161. 26l/DlG. 54

3,400,919 9/1968 Schall 261/D1G. [76] Invent Emest 1245 Kendall 3,525,197 8/1970 Sheehan 261/94 x Lakewood Colo- 80226 3,589,609 6/1971 Wyant 55/227 22 Filed: M y 1972 3,675,398 7/1972 Giarrizzo /481 X [21] Appl. No.: 257,581 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 110,740 9/1924 Switzerland 165/77 [52] U S Cl 55/233 55/222 55,242 1,175,713 4/1962 Germany 55/481 55/328,55/387,55/4l5:55/422 Prim, 9 it 1 ry Exammer-Frank W. Lutter 55/436, 55/481, 55/493, Assistant Examiner-Neil F. Greenblum 55/516 261/DIG- 15 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Hill, Gross, Simpson, Van [5 Santen steadman Chiara & Simpson [58] Field of Search 55/233, 98, 328, 74, 415, 55/78, 91, 481, 422, 462, 493,242,501, 243, 515, 222, 516, 387; 165/137, 138,77; [57] ABSTRACT, 12 /113; 292/54; 2 1N31 15 94 mg 54; system and apparatus for pol1ut 1on control compns- /167; 25 1129s; 387/14; /317; 16/191, mg Plvotally Supported baffles whwh are ppq s on 138/37, 39 a drawer structure which can be mounted 1ns1de a container in which gases are moving such as a scrub- [5 References Cited ber and wherein rapid access for cleaning, mounting P and baffles can be aCCOmpllShd the 748 641 l 1904 drawer structure which provides a sliding support for l 289386 12419; 160/317 x the baffles when inserted into the scrubber and allows l45555O 5/1923 rapid removal from the scrubber when desired. The :7 1 I193] baffles may be angularly adjusted within the scrubber 1,385,543 11/1932 and baffles of different configuration as well as spray 2,155,070 4/1939 devices may be utilized with the baffles for various 2,592,230 4/ 1952 conditions. 2,928,496 1 60 29671050 3 3 12 Clauns, 10 Drawing Figures 3,190,057 6/1965 PAIENIEBucras m4 3.844.747

sum 30F 4 F254 v F 6 1 POLLUTION CONTROL DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention:

This invention relates in general to pollution control devices and in particular to a novel baffle and support means including a drawer for'allowing rapid insertion and removal of baffles into a scrubber.

2. Description of the Prior Art:

Air pollution which comprises the presence in the atmosphere of one or more air contaminants such as fumes, smoke and particulate matter or gases of a duration and in quantitites which are injurious to human, plant or animal life or to property, or which unreasonably interfere with the comfort and enjoyment of normal human existence has recently become of great concern. Such pollution results from products such as fly ash which is a by-product from the combustion of coal or other material in a steam generating plant, for example. Particulates comprising distinct particles are also carried by flue gas and might result from the burning of fuel in a power plant, for example. Scrubbers have been used through which the gaseous emissions of power plants and other devices containing particulate matter are passed for washing impurities out of the stream of flue gas and for controlling the particulate content so as to wash them from the flue gas and carry them off in a slurry of ash and water.

SUMMARY OF TI-IEINVENTION The present invention comprises an improved device for controlling particulate matter emission in a stream of gas wherein the gas is directed over baffles or plates mounted in scrubber towers and the baffles create a pressure drop across the plates resulting in the heavier particles of particulate matter being removed from the main stream of gas and being thrown to the walls of the tower or plates such that as the accumulative weight of the particles builds up on the wall of the tower or plates they fall to the bottom and drop into a hopper for collection and removal. The present invention provides movable baffle plates which may be angularly positioned from the outside of the scrubber tower and which can be quickly and easily removed from the scrubber to clean or change the baffles. By controlling the position of the baffles from outside of the tower, the flow inside the tower can be controlled without the use of a complicated blower system. The easy access to the baffles allows improved cleaning and control. Moving the angular position of the baffle relative to the scrubber tower creates a venturi system and the combination of a pressure drop with wash water allows easy and efficient removal of particulate matter from the gases.

The present invention comprises a drawer structure which has a front plate upon which guide members are mounted which extend to the back side of the scrubber tower and mate with members attached to the wall. Telescoping baffle member supports are attached to the front plate and mate with baffle support shafts attached to the wall of the scrubber. The baffles may be pivoted to any desired position. The baffles may be moved together for insertion and withdrawal from the scrubber thus allowing the drawer of the invention to be relatively narrow relative to the scrubber tower and once inserted the baffles may be pivoted to any desired angle so as to remove the particulate matter from the gases. The position of the baffles may be controlled manually or with a suitable motor and may be automatically controlled by utilizing a pressure sensor so as to provide an input to a servo system to maintain a constant pressure in the scrubber. Liquid srpay such as water or suitable chemicals may be utilized in combination with the baffles and although the baffle of the invention may be described with respect to a fixed scrubber system as, for example, for use with a power plant, it is to be realized that the invention is also applicable to automobile pollution, as for example, utilizing catalytic action for the removal of pollution products.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following description of certain preferred embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings although variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view of a plurality of scrubber towers mounted side by side with the invention installed therein;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detailed view of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away sectional view of the invention illustrating the baffles;

FIG. 4 is a partially cut-away detailed sectional view of the baffle supporting structure;

FIG. 5 is a partially detailed sectional view of the baffie supporting structure;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating the supporting guide structure;

FIG. 7 is a detailed cut-away view of the baffle;

FIG. 8 illustrates a modification of a baffle structure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a modified baffle made of conduit; and

FIG. 10 is a detailed sectional view of the baffle structure of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the invention as applied to a plant 10 which has an exhaust pipe 11 which feeds into a first scrubber 12 which is connected to additional scrubbers 13 and 14. A fan or blower 16 is connected to the output of the scrubber 14 and the gases are exhausted through an exhaust pipe 17. A motor 18 drives the exhaust fan 16. Each of the scrubbers l2, l3 and 14, include extraction drawers 19, 21 and 22, respectively, of the present invention. Fluid supply pipes 23, 24 and 26 may be connected to the drawers 19, 21 and 22.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the extraction drawer 19 and detailed sectional views, FIGS. 3-6, illustrate the extraction drawer and baffle support in greater detail.

The extraction drawer 19 comprises a front mounting plate 27 of generally rectangular shape which is formed with a plurality of notches 29 through which threaded locking bolts 31 extend and which have their opposite ends connected to the wall of the scrubber 12 and which receive thumb screws 28 thereon for locking the front plate 27 to the scrubber wall over a rectangular opening 30 formed in the front wall.

The front plate 27 covers the generally rectangularopening 30 formed in the wall of the scrubber 12. A gasket 33 which has a bevelled face is attached to the scrubber 12 about the opening 30 as shown in sectional views, FIGS. and 3, for example. A gasket 36 is attached to cover plate 27 and has a bevelled face 37 adapted to mate with the baffle 33 to provide a seal between the front plate 27 and the scrubber over opening 30. The drawer 19 is supported on telescoping guides comprising a lower guide pipe 38 and an upper guide pipe 39. These are attached to the end plate 27 and are slidably received in fixed pipes mounted to the rear wall of the scrubber 12 as shown in FIG. 6. For example, the pipe 38 has its front end connected to end plate 27 and extends into a pipe 41 which has an end 50 that terminates adjacent the plate 27 as shown. The other end 46 of the pipe 41 extends through opening 42 in the wall of the scrubber 12 and is attached to the wall by a coupling and seal 43 as shown in FIG. 6. A cap 44 is threadedly received on the end 46 of the pipe 41 and the inner end 47 of the pipe 38 terminates adjacent the cap 44 when the drawer is in the operating position within the scrubber. The pipe 41 and corresponding pipe for guide 39 provide mechanical support for the drawer and allow it to be moved in and out of the scrubber 12.

A pair of pivotal baffles 54 and 56 are also supported by the drawer l9 and are mounted on hollow tubes 51 and 52 which are rotatably supported on the guide shafts 76 and 84, respectively, and the front plate 27. The guide shafts 76 and 84 are connected to the rear wall of the scrubber 12 as shown in detail in FIGS. 3 and 4. The pipe 76, for example, is threadedly connected by a coupling seal 74 to a collar 72 which fits around the pipe 76 as well as the end of the pipe 51 and is connected to the wall 12 by coupling seal member 71. A cap 77 covers the end of pipe 76 and provides a fluid seal. The end 69 of pipe 51 terminates adjacent the seal 74 when the drawer is inserted to the operating position.

The supporting pipe 84 is connected by seal 83 to a sleeve support 82 which is attached to the wall 12 by coupling seal member 81. A cap 86 seals the end of tube 84. The end 78 of the baffle pipe 52 terminates adjacent the seal 83 when the drawer is in the operative position.

The pipes 51 and 52 which support the baffles 56 and 57 pass through openings formed in the front plate 27 and a fluid seal as, for example, an O-ring seal 67 is mounted between the pipe 51 and the opening in the front plate 27. An O-ring seal 68 is mounted about the pipe 52 between the pipe 52 and the front plate 27. A supporting mechanical plate 53 rotatably supports the pipes 51 and 52 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. Handle 102 is connected to the end of pipe 51 to allow it to be rotated to a selected position and a pointer 101 extends from the side wall of the pipe 51 and indicates by its angular position relative to the plate 53, the angular position of the baffle 57 mounted on the pipe 51. FIG. 2 illustrates this and the pointer 101 may be read against an indicia 130 printed on the plate 53. The pipe 52 has a handle 104 and carries a pointer 103 which may be read against indicia 131 printed on plate 53 to indicate the position of the baffle 56.

The end 91 of guide pipe 76 adjacent pointer 101 is formed with a plurality of openings 92 which align with openings 94 formed in the pipe 51 and a locking pin 93 may be inserted through the openings 94 and 92 to lock the baffle 54 in a selected angular position when the drawer is in the operating position within the scrubber.

The end 96 of guide pipe 84 is formed with openings 97 and the pipe 52 has an opening 98 that can be aligned with the openings 97 so as to receive a locking pin 99 to lock the baffle 56 in a selected operative position.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the baffles 54 and 56 are pivotably supported by their supporting pipes 51 and 52. Baffle 54 is formed of generally semi-circular rib 57 which has opposite ends attached to the pipe member 51 and a plurality of struts 58, 59, 60, 61 and 62 have one ends attached to the pipe 51 and their other end attached to the member 57. So as to enclose the space between the struts 58-62, screens 63 and may be attached to opposite sides of the baffle as shown in detail in FIG. 7, for example. Screen 70 may be placed on the second side of the baffle and screen 63 on the near side relative to FIG. 7, as shown. Plastic balls 64 may be mounted between the screens 63 and 70 so as to intercept the particulate matter and remove it from the gas passing through the baffle.

In FIG. 3, the baffle 54 is in the full down position so that it substantially closes the half of the scrubber 12 on its side whereas the baffle 56 is pivoted to a position at right angles to that of baffle 54 so that it provides minimum effect on gases passing through the scrubber. During insertion and removal of the baffles 54, 56 from the scrubber, it is necessary that both baffles be moved to the position shown for baffle 56 in FIG. 3. This may be accomplished by moving the handle 102 so that the baffle 54 is side by side and parallel to baffle 56 in the up position relative to FIG. 2 so that the baffles may freely pass through the opening 30 in the wall of the scrubber when the drawer is moved out of the scrubber.

FIG. 3 also illustrates an alternative arrangement for controlling the baffles 54 and 56 which includes a servo motor 122 which is connected by shafts 123 and 124 to the baffle pipes 51 and 52 which support the baffles 54 and 56, respectively, so as to automatically position them. The servo may receive an input from a pressure sensor 120 mounted in the wall of the scrubber 12 which provides a signal to the servo motor 122 through the connection 121. It is to be realized that the locking pins 93 and 99 would be removed during servo control.

The baffles may also, of course, be controlled by the handles 102 and 104 and locked into position by the locking pins 93 and 99, respectively.

As shown in cut-away in FIG. 2, spray nozzles 112 may be connected to a supporting pipe 111 mounted above the baffles 54 and 56 so as to spray water or other liquids such as chemicals on the baffles. The supply lines 23, 24 and 26 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be connected to a header which is connected to pipe 111 to supply liquid to the nozzles 112. Crescent-shaped supporting member supports the pipe 111 from the cover plate 27.

FIG. 8 illustrates a modification of the invention wherein charcoal 66 is mounted in the space between the screens 63 and 70 for removing the particulate from the gas passing through the scrubber.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a modification wherein the baffles may be formed of conduit. Cooling coils in baffie form might be mounted in the scrubber and rotated so that the fumes pass through the cooling coils to cause condensation and removal of contaminants.

The conduit for the coolant is coiled in the form of a baffle as shown in FIG. 9 and is formed into a semicircular shape and includes input and output tubes 136 and 137 which, as shown in detail in FIG. 10, pass through the members 53 and 27. The pipe 141 corresponds to pipe 51 in the embodiment of FIG. 7 and is formed with an opening 138 through which the upwardly extending conduits 133 and 134 pass. As shown in FIG. 9, the conduit is formed into serpentine bends 135, 139, 141 and 142 and connects with the input and outlet conduits 133 and 134. A supporting pipe 142 is attached to the opposite wall of the header and extends through pipe 141 and terminates adjacent the opening 138 when the baffle is in the position inside the scrubber 12. The pipe 142 corresponds to the pipe 76 but is formed so that it is short enough not to interfere with the tubing 133 and 134 where it emerges from the opening 138.

Instead of plastic balls 64 or the charcoal 66 in the baffle members, metal filings or porcelain, Teflon or Servit balls may be used.

When the spray nozzles illustrated in FIG. 2 are utilized, the height of the drawer is made higher so as to allow space for the nozzles 112 and the feed pipes 111 above the baffles 54 and 56.

In operation, the opening 30 is cut in the scrubber and the invention is mounted by installing the guide pipes for pipes 38 and 39. The pipes 76 and 84 are also mounted to the scrubber wall as shown. After the guide and supporting pipes are installed the drawer is inserted into the scrubber with the various pipes mating and with the baffles 54 and 56 in the up position relative to FIG. 2 so that they pass through the opening 30 and into the confines of the scrubber. When the face plate 22 is in position it engages the bolts 31 and the thumb nuts 28 may be installed and tightened to provide a seal between the gaskets 33 and 36. The baffles 54 and 56 may then be angularly positioned by removing the locking pins 93 and 103 and pivoting the baffles to the desired position by the use of the handles 102 and 104 noting the positions of the baffles by the indicators 101, 103 against the indicia 130 and 131. If the spray nozzles 112 are used, fluid may be supplied through the supply pipe 23 as for example illustrated in FIG. 1.

The angular setting of the baffles 54 and 56 depends upon the particular conditions of the gases being processed through the scrubber which may require that the baffles be moved to the full down position as illustrated by the baffle 54 in FIG. 2, or to an intermediate position with the baffles 54 and 56 placed at an angle between 90 and When it is desired to remove the baffles from the scrubber for cleaning or other purpose, the pins 93 and 99 are removed and the handles 102 and 104 are used to pivot the baffles to the full up position relative to FIG. 2 corresponding to that shown for baffle 56 in FIG. 2. The thumb screws 28 are then loosened and the front plate 27 is moved to draw the baffles out of the scrubber. The pipes 51 and 52 move relative to the pipes 76 and 84 and the guide pipes 38 and 39 move relative to their supporting pipes.

After the baffles are cleaned or changed the assembly may be moved back into the scrubber and the thumb screws 28 replaced to provide a seal and the baffles may be rotated and locked at the desired angular position for operation. v

It is seen that this invention provides a new and novel pollution control device and although it has been described with res ect to preferred embodiments, it is not to be so limited as changes and modifications may be made therein which are within the full intent and scope as defined by the appended claims.

l claim:

1. Apparatus for the control of pollution by removal of harmful material from gases passin through a container comprising: a cover plate detaciably connected by said container to seal an opening formed in said container; baffle means pivotally supported b said cover plate and movable to a first position such that said baffie means can be removed through said opening in said container with said cover plate and movable to a full extended second position wherein said baffle means cannot be removed through said opening in said container, wherein said container is circular in crosssection and said baffle means comprises a pair of semicircular baffles and said cover plate rotatably supports a 1 hair of side by side baffle shafts to which said pair of ba es are respectively attached and wherein said baffles in said first osition are side by side in said container and provi e minimum impedance to ases passing through said container and wherein sai baffles in the full extended second position substantially cover said circular cross-sectional area of said container, and wherein said semi-circular baffles comprise hollow frame members covered by screen material.

2. Apparatus for the control of pollution according to claim 1 including means for controlling and locking said pair of baffle shafts external of said container.

3. A paratus for control of pollution according to claim wherein said means for controlling comprises a pair of handles res ectively attached to said pair of baffle shafts and sai locking means comprises openings formed through said baffle shafts through which locking pin means are receivable.

4. A paratus for control of pollution according to claim wherein said means for controlling said baffle shafts comprises a servo motor connected to said shaft.

5. Apparatus for control of pollution according to claim 4 including pressure sensor means mounted in said container andconnected to said servo motor.

6. Apparatus for control of pollution according to claim including a pair of support shafts attached to the inside of sai container opposite said opening and said baffle shafts are hollow and said support shafts extend into said baffle shafts.

7. A paratus for control of pollution according to claim including a pair of guide shafts attached to said cover plate and a pair of guide tubes attached to the inside wall of said container and receiving said pair of guide shafts therein.

8. Apparatus for control of pollution according to claim 1 comprising spray means attached to said cover plae for spraying liquid into said container adjacent sa1 es.

9. Apparatus for control of pollution according to claim 1 wherein plastic material is mounted in said baffles between said screen material.

10. Apparatus for control of pollution according to claim 9 wherein said plastic material is in the form of s eres.

11. Apparatus for control of pollution according to claim 1 wherein charcoal is mounted in said baffles between said screen material.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11 includin manual means for controlling and locking said pair 0 battle shafts. 

1. Apparatus for the control of pollution by removal of harmful material from gases passing through a container comprising: a cover plate detachably connected by said container to seal an opening formed in said container; baffle means pivotally supported by said cover plate and movable to a first position such that said baffle means can be removed through said opening in said container with said cover plate and movable to a full extended second position wherein said baffle means cannot be removed through said opening in said container, wherein said container is circular in cross-section and said baffle means comprises a pair of semi-circular baffles and said cover plate rotatably supports a pair of side by side baffle shafts to which said pair of baffles are respectively attached and wherein said baffles in said first position are side by side in said container and provide minimum impedance to gases passing through said container and wherein said baffles in the full extended second position substantially cover sAid circular cross-sectional area of said container, and wherein said semi-circular baffles comprise hollow frame members covered by screen material.
 2. Apparatus for the control of pollution according to claim 1 including means for controlling and locking said pair of baffle shafts external of said container.
 3. Apparatus for control of pollution according to claim 2 wherein said means for controlling comprises a pair of handles respectively attached to said pair of baffle shafts and said locking means comprises openings formed through said baffle shafts through which locking pin means are receivable.
 4. Apparatus for control of pollution according to claim 2 wherein said means for controlling said baffle shafts comprises a servo motor connected to said shaft.
 5. Apparatus for control of pollution according to claim 4 including pressure sensor means mounted in said container and connected to said servo motor.
 6. Apparatus for control of pollution according to claim 1 including a pair of support shafts attached to the inside of said container opposite said opening and said baffle shafts are hollow and said support shafts extend into said baffle shafts.
 7. Apparatus for control of pollution according to claim 1 including a pair of guide shafts attached to said cover plate and a pair of guide tubes attached to the inside wall of said container and receiving said pair of guide shafts therein.
 8. Apparatus for control of pollution according to claim 1 comprising spray means attached to said cover plate for spraying liquid into said container adjacent said baffles.
 9. Apparatus for control of pollution according to claim 1 wherein plastic material is mounted in said baffles between said screen material.
 10. Apparatus for control of pollution according to claim 9 wherein said plastic material is in the form of spheres.
 11. Apparatus for control of pollution according to claim 1 wherein charcoal is mounted in said baffles between said screen material.
 12. Apparatus according to claim 11 including manual means for controlling and locking said pair of battle shafts. 